This article discusses the difference between low and high resistance atomizers as well as the benefits and disadvantages, if any, between the two.

If you’re new to the vaping world and do not have a thorough understanding of their use, we recommend you turn around now and search for a starter kit on our vapor cigarette review page because, as a potential long-time vaper, there is an adjustment process when first transitioning from smoking to smoke-free. You needn’t worry yourself about voltage and ohms now… save that for later

Pros & Cons of Low Resistance Atomizers

A low resistance atomizer means it’s drawing more power from the battery. Less resistance = more voltage. The e liquid, in turn, is vaporized more aggressively, thereby increasing vapor production as well as the taste of the liquid. Users report an all-around stronger, more flavorful hit with LR atomizers.

Because the LR atomizer is drawing more power from the battery, it may have a tendency to burn out more quickly than if not using this type atomizer. Plus, given the battery is supplying more power to the atomizer, you’ll need to charge it more often.

In summary, a LR atomizer can mean more vapor and more flavor at the expense of more battery charging and a higher chance of atomizer burn-out.

Pros & Cons of High Resistance Atomizers

High resistance atomizers are to be used with a battery with a higher voltage, and users report substantial vapor production with less puff effort. Most stock batteries are in the 3.7s range and pairing a HR atomizer with a battery of that power will produce very weak or no vapor. HR atomizers are typically used in a common vaping practice called modding. In this case, the HR atomizer would work with a pair of stacked 3.0-3.7V batteries or other mods operating at 5-6V.

Low and High Resistance – Which One Is Better?

The answer to this one lies with how much vapor you want and the amount of time you’re willing to invest in researching and then maintaining your equipment. Most vapers start off with a standard stock e cigarette, but some eventually tire of the vapor limitations and branch out to other models that create bigger and more dense vapor. Although most e cigarettes, such as the 510 or KR808D1, already produce vapor that is, for most people, completely acceptable, some vapers want more, and the search for a higher-powered e cig ensues.

It’s a give or take situation, and there are trade-offs with each type of atomizer.

If you use a low resistance atomizer, are you willing to charge your battery more often? On the other hand, are you willing to sacrifice more vapor and more flavor by opting for a high resistance atomizer?

An atomizer with a higher resistance, on the other hand, will not produce as much vapor as its low resistance counterpart when paired with a lower voltage battery, and you need to make sure the battery you purchase has a higher voltage.

Are Burnt Low Resistance Atomizers Common?

They can be. Make sure the atomizers or cartomizers and batteries you use are meant to work together. To reduce the likelihood of low resistance atomizers from burning out more quickly, make sure there’s always an ample amount of juice in the cartridge. Because the atomizer will burn the liquid faster, keeping it moist as much as possible is crucial to the lifespan of the unit. As with any vaping situation – regardless of the equipment used – be aware of your e cigarette usage.

Generally, if you want balance without the fuss or hassle of atomizers burning out or not producing as much vapor, stick to the basics: use a high resistance atomizer on a high voltage battery or use a low resistance atomizer on a standard/regular atomizer, which is how most companies’ e cigarette starter kits are.